Police certificates are essential documents for many New Zealand visa applications. They provide evidence of your character by showing your criminal history (or lack thereof) from countries where you've lived. Understanding how to obtain these certificates helps you prepare your application.
What Are Police Certificates?
Purpose
Character Evidence: Shows your criminal history record.
INZ Requirement: Required for residence and some temporary visas.
All Relevant Countries: Needed from countries of significant residence.
Official Document: Must be official, issued by proper authority.
What They Show
Convictions: Criminal convictions on record.
Charges: Some show pending charges.
Clean Record: Confirms no criminal history if applicable.
National Scope: Cover whole country, not just local area.
When You Need Police Certificates
Residence Applications
Required: All residence applications require police certificates.
All Countries: From each country of significant residence.
Recent History: Usually last 10 years since age 17.
12+ Months: From countries where you lived 12+ months.
Some Temporary Visas
Work Visas: Sometimes required, especially longer duration.
Student Visas: May be required depending on circumstances.
Visitor Visas: Usually not required.
Character Concerns: Required if any character concerns.
Updates May Be Required
Validity Period: Certificates have limited validity.
Application Timing: Must be recent when application assessed.
Delays: May need fresh certificates if processing delayed.
Which Countries
New Zealand
If you've lived in NZ:
NZ Police Check: Required if you've lived in NZ.
Ministry of Justice: Apply through MOJ.
Online Application: Can apply online.
Processing: Usually quick—a few days to weeks.
Your Home Country
Nationality Country: Usually need police certificate from country of citizenship.
Even If Not Lived Recently: May still be required.
Method Varies: Each country has different process.
Countries of Residence
12+ Months: From any country where you lived 12+ months.
Since Age 17: Counting from when you turned 17.
Last 10 Years: Usually covering recent decade.
Calculate Carefully: Add up time in each country.
How to Obtain Certificates
New Zealand
Who: Ministry of Justice, Criminal Record Unit.
Method: Online application available.
Documents: Identity verification required.
Cost: Fee applies.
Timeframe: Usually days to 1-2 weeks.
United States
Who: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Method: Fingerprint-based check.
Documents: Identity verification, fingerprints.
Cost: Fee applies.
Timeframe: Usually 8-12+ weeks.
United Kingdom
Who: ACRO Criminal Records Office.
Method: Online application.
Documents: Identity documents.
Cost: Fee applies.
Timeframe: Usually 2-4 weeks.
Australia
Who: Australian Federal Police.
Method: Online national police check.
Documents: Identity verification.
Cost: Fee applies.
Timeframe: Usually 2-10 days for standard.
Other Countries
Research Required: Each country has different process.
Embassy/Consulate: Often can advise on process.
Local Police: Some countries require local application.
Timeframes Vary: Some countries very slow.
Plan Ahead: Start early for difficult countries.
Certificate Validity
Time Limits
Usually 6-12 Months: Most certificates valid for this period.
From Issue Date: Counted from when certificate issued.
At Assessment: Must be valid when INZ assesses application.
Processing Delays: Long processing may require fresh certificates.
Timing Your Application
Not Too Early: Don't get too far before applying.
Not Too Late: Allow time for slow countries.
Strategic Timing: Plan to have all ready around same time.
Buffer: Allow buffer for delays.
Renewal
If Expired: May need to obtain fresh certificate.
Repeat Process: Same process as original.
Same Fees: Usually same fees apply again.
Frustrating but Necessary: Part of the process.
Special Situations
Countries Difficult to Obtain From
Some Countries Slow: Some take many months.
Some Countries Impossible: War zones, failed states.
Talk to INZ: If genuinely unable to obtain.
Document Efforts: Show efforts made.
Alternative Evidence: May accept alternatives in some cases.
Lost or Unavailable Records
Country Has No Records: Some countries destroyed records.
Explanation Required: Explain the situation.
Evidence of Efforts: Document attempts to obtain.
Statutory Declarations: May be required.
Name Changes
Previous Names: May need to check under previous names.
Marriage Name Changes: Common issue.
Documentation: Provide name change evidence.
Multiple Checks: May need multiple certificates.
Multiple Nationalities
Each Country: May need from each country of nationality.
Dual Citizens: Address both citizenships.
Residency History: Plus any other countries of residence.
Common Challenges
FBI Processing Delays
US Checks Slow: FBI often takes 3+ months.
Plan Far Ahead: Start months before you need it.
No Shortcuts: No way to speed up significantly.
Timing Impact: May affect whole application timeline.
Hard-to-Reach Countries
Conflict Zones: Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, etc.
Administrative Issues: Countries with poor record-keeping.
INZ Discretion: Case-by-case consideration.
Professional Help: Adviser assistance valuable.
Expired Certificates
Processing Delays: If application takes too long.
Fresh Certificates: May need new ones.
Additional Costs: More fees.
More Waiting: Additional delays.
Working with Your Adviser
What They Can Help With
Identifying Requirements: Which countries you need certificates from.
Timing Strategy: When to apply for each.
Problem Solving: Dealing with difficult countries.
Application Preparation: Preparing certificate request applications.
What You Must Do
Personal Applications: Most certificates require your personal application.
Fingerprints: May need to provide fingerprints yourself.
Identity Documents: Provide your own identity documents.
Fees: Pay fees yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back do police certificates go?
Usually covering your adult life—from age 17 onwards. For INZ, typically any country you've lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
What if I have a conviction on my certificate?
Convictions don't automatically disqualify you. INZ assesses the nature, severity, and time elapsed. Many people with past convictions still receive visas.
How much do police certificates cost?
Costs vary by country. NZ certificates cost approximately $20-30, FBI checks around $20-30 USD, UK ACRO around £45 GBP. Some countries are significantly more.
Can I start my visa application before I have all certificates?
For many applications, yes—you can submit and provide certificates later. However, processing won't complete until all documents received.
What if my country doesn't issue police certificates?
Contact INZ to discuss alternatives before applying. They may accept statutory declarations or alternative character evidence in genuine cases.
Need help understanding police certificate requirements? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can guide you through the character documentation process.